DANA
Dāna (Pali and Sanskrit for “giving” or “generosity”) is the practice of open-handed giving, and is the most basic and foundational virtue in Buddhism — the soil in which the whole path grows from. Dana is the practice of generosity that has sustained Buddhist communities for over 2,500 years.
Dharma Heart Zen welcomes everyone and offers the teaching of the Dharma to all, in the spirit and practice of generosity. Hoka Chris Fortin, Zen priest and guiding teacher, provides a framework for zen practice and a refuge for our sangha family. She shares the Dharma, encourages us to seek our own way, and holds us in community.
Generosity sustains the DHZ Sangha. The sangha is financed entirely by dana (donations) given voluntarily by participants. This dana supports our teacher, and pays for rent and all other sangha expenses.
Receiving regular monthly donations is especially helpful for the sangha. Monthly dana is an expression of commitment to sustaining both our teacher, Chris Fortin, and the sangha, year-round. Choose a monthly donation level that is appropriate for your means. You may also opt to give annually or weekly, if that better suits your needs. Here are some reflections and traditional teachings about dana that may be helpful.
Buddhist Resources: Dana - the Practice of Generosity
Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: The Practice of Generosity
Red Cedar Zen Community: Dana Paramita
Please contribute what feels right for you, at the interval that’s right for you.
DHZ is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible (IRS Tax ID #99-1456749).
Ways To Contribute To Dharma Heart Zen
Send checks to: Dharma Heart Zen, P.O. Box 2714, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Drop a check or cash in the “Dana Box” at our sangha meetings
Set up an automatic monthly donation through your bank’s bill pay
Donate via PayPal (which we’re generally trying to avoid because of high fees)
Contribute funds from a traditional IRA (QCD), a donor advised fund (DAF), or other sources. See note about tax deductible giving.
If you need to cancel or make changes to an existing monthly PayPal subscription, see this Helpful Guide. For assistance with PayPal/Donorbox donations, contact Shelly Hughes.
If you would like to talk about setting up automatic donations through your bank, donating from an IRA or other fund, or tax deductions, please contact Susan Thollaug (sthollaug@gmail.com) or Kristen Sorensen (kms.sorensen@gmail.com).
Contributing through DonorBox/PayPal incurs fees that are subtracted from donations. Sometimes this may be the most convenient way to contribute dana. Please also see Ways to Contribute to Dharma Heart Zen, above, for alternative ways of giving. Dana is an expression of our gratitude and is the sole source for our contributions to our teacher, rent payments, and all other expenses. Please give what feels right for you.
Deep bows of appreciation
Sliding Scale Suggestions:
Monthly Contributions $50–300
All Day Sitting $40–60
Dokusan - discuss in context of relationship with teacher
Practice Period $150
Jukai Ceremony - discuss in context of relationship with teacher
Additional donations to help make the Dharma Heart Zen accessible to all are very much appreciated. No one is turned away.
